The Painted Lady is the benevolent spirit of the Jang Hui River, known for her protectiveness and healing abilities. She was once the guardian spirit of the fishing village of Jang Hui, but was driven away due to the region's rising water contamination. As is the case with many other spirits, only the spiritually enlightened can see her.[1][2]

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History

As a human, the Painted Lady had a close relationship with nature and a strong connection to the spirits. Due to her spirituality, she transcended into the Spirit World following her death.[3] After becoming a spirit, the Painted Lady began to watch over the river town of Jang Hui until the Fire NationArmy built a factory on the corresponding river in 90 AG and began polluting it by discharging its waste. This event drove the Painted Lady away, leaving the villagers to fend for themselves.[2]

Years later, AvatarAang and his friends arrived at the village, which had been left deprived and devastated by illnesses caused by pollutants in its waters. Through intense persuasion from Katara, who impersonated the Painted Lady for several days, Team Avatar assisted the villagers in cleaning up the river. One night by the side of the river, Katara found herself in the presence of the real Painted Lady, who thanked her for her part in cleaning the Jang Hui River.[1]